Actually I would consider you current bike an AXC, I would not call it an urban bike. I don't really see much difference between that and the other you posted.

I don't see any reason why your current hardrock can't handle epic trails.

I borrowed a friends Stumpy FSR for about 5 minutes and in 5 seconds I knew that Ive been riding the wrong bike. The geometry of the HardRock isnt suited for epic trail riding. Ask any LBS and they'll probably tell you that it isnt a trail bike. Two LBS have told me that the HardRock is an urban bike and isnt really designed for XC. Dont get me wrong, it works just fine but I hate knowing that I could have a better frame more suited for me.

I would say your LBS has been telling lies. The stand over height of the top tube is far to high for real urban use (think trying to pull a move and getting your foot trapped under the top tube at the worst possible moment). Simple as.

If you look at a completed FX compared to a Hardrock there apears to be very little difference to me.

If you want to spend the doller and change it then go for it, its your bike after all, but I would spend my money else where.

The views expressed above are badly thought out and hastley typed. Any spelling or gramatical mistakes, are, their to annoy.

Troie, What specifically bothers you about your bike? Not nimble? Heavy? Saddle trouble? Riding position?
If you really want a new bike, that's swell, but I'd at least futz around with your current one and try to spot the "problem" first...

Troie, What specifically bothers you about your bike? Not nimble? Heavy? Saddle trouble? Riding position?
If you really want a new bike, that's swell, but I'd at least futz around with your current one and try to spot the "problem" first...

Want? No. Need? Yes. Theres a big difference. The overall geometry of the bike isnt right for my style of riding. Ive "futz" around with my bike for 2 years, its time to move on.

I know you're starting to sound pretty adamant about needing a new frame, but have you looked at the difference in geometry between the Hardrock and the StumpJumper? .5 deg for the head and seat angle. Other than that, the standover height is about 3 inches shorter. Were they the same size?

As far as that Kona goes, I would definitely try the bike first considering your fit issues. It's geometry seems considerably different than the Stumpy. You might end up in the same situation, less $600.

I would consider it an All Mountain Bike (ie good up and down hill, as well as XC).

I can quite happliy ride for 3 hours plus on my DJ bike (with seat post extended), so you should be able to do all you want on the Dawg. As the Kona site says its for getting you out to the fun spot and all the way back.

The views expressed above are badly thought out and hastley typed. Any spelling or gramatical mistakes, are, their to annoy.

I thought you said you weren't into XC. You didn't want clipless pedals and you wanted shin guards. Now you want an XC frame? Doesn't make sense. 3 hour long XC rides I'm not entirely sure require a different type of XC bike. Stop pouring money into your hardrock/dawg/komodo/whatever and just wait for an XC bike that you want. Makes a heck of a lot more sense than doing this. But then again, since you have all the components, it might be too late.

Also, what do you classify "Aggresive XC" as? Do you have skinnys, drops, log rides small jumps etc.?

I thought you said you weren't into XC. You didn't want clipless pedals and you wanted shin guards. Now you want an XC frame? Doesn't make sense. 3 hour long XC rides I'm not entirely sure require a different type of XC bike. Stop pouring money into your hardrock/dawg/komodo/whatever and just wait for an XC bike that you want. Makes a heck of a lot more sense than doing this. But then again, since you have all the components, it might be too late.

Also, what do you classify "Aggresive XC" as? Do you have skinnys, drops, log rides small jumps etc.?

I thought I was, then I wasnt, then I thought I was, then I didnt. The trails one rides determines the type of riding they are limited to right? We dont have north shore type trails here, its mainly XC singletrack. There is a FR/DH park about an hour from me but I'll rarely drive down there as it is too far and the trails are very limited compared to the 150+ miles of intertwined trails about 15 minutes from my house.

Im an XC rider no doubt about it. Maybe Im just being a whiney little b|tch and Im tired of having the HR? Maybe Im jealous of all the nice bikes and full-spension rigs I see at the trails? Maybe Im ashamed of my bike because when people look at it they laugh and think I belong at some skatepark? Maybe I need to take a break from the forums for about a week?

Here is the bottom line:

1. Do you think the HR frame is designed for XC?

2. Will the Dawg be a worthy purchase and will help me take my riding to the next level or will I just end up wasting $600?

3. Could be something as simple as switching to clipless pedals to help improve my technique i.e. climbing, speed, endurance?

I thought I was, then I wasnt, then I thought I was, then I didnt. The trails one rides determines the type of riding they are limited to right? We dont have north shore type trails here, its mainly XC singletrack. There is a FR/DH park about an hour from me but I'll rarely drive down there as it is too far and the trails are very limited compared to the 150+ miles of intertwined trails about 15 minutes from my house.

Im an XC rider no doubt about it. Maybe Im just being a whiney little b|tch and Im tired of having the HR? Maybe Im jealous of all the nice bikes and full-spension rigs I see at the trails? Maybe Im ashamed of my bike because when people look at it they laugh and think I belong at some skatepark? Maybe I need to take a break from the forums for about a week?

Here is the bottom line:

1. Do you think the HR frame is designed for XC?

2. Will the Dawg be a worthy purchase and will help me take my riding to the next level or will I just end up wasting $600?

3. Could be something as simple as switching to clipless pedals to help improve my technique i.e. climbing, speed, endurance?

4. Am I a whiney little b|tch?

Okay well my opinion is that for XC you dont need that frame. I would go for a hardtail for XC use anyday, but thats myself. Leader bike makes a very nice frame for under 200http://www.leaderbikeusa.com/products/frameStore.htm
I rode their 2004 frame for a few months and was very happy. The only thing is that you need zero stack (maybe the 05 frame doesnt) which is a nice headset but you might be fixed on using a King or something.
If your doing XC switch to clipless, try this before a frame. Clipless is a huge power boost.
i would not suggest going and buying 200 dollar shoes to match 300 dollar pedals so for 120 a real nice deal from pricepoint can be found here:http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/138...ome-Pedals.htm
Endurance and speed come in time. And lastly, keep your seat high. I know with free riding your probably not concerned with maximum pedal efficiency, but for what your doing it will help you a lot

I thought I was, then I wasnt, then I thought I was, then I didnt. The trails one rides determines the type of riding they are limited to right? We dont have north shore type trails here, its mainly XC singletrack. There is a FR/DH park about an hour from me but I'll rarely drive down there as it is too far and the trails are very limited compared to the 150+ miles of intertwined trails about 15 minutes from my house.

Im an XC rider no doubt about it. Maybe Im just being a whiney little b|tch and Im tired of having the HR? Maybe Im jealous of all the nice bikes and full-spension rigs I see at the trails? Maybe Im ashamed of my bike because when people look at it they laugh and think I belong at some skatepark? Maybe I need to take a break from the forums for about a week?

Here is the bottom line:

1. Do you think the HR frame is designed for XC?

2. Will the Dawg be a worthy purchase and will help me take my riding to the next level or will I just end up wasting $600?

3. Could be something as simple as switching to clipless pedals to help improve my technique i.e. climbing, speed, endurance?

4. Am I a whiney little b|tch?

1 - no it isn't. In fact its main selling point was an urban bike. Not even street/park. But just messing around downtown and riding stairs and such. Even the advertising campaign originally had that setup. It is doable but not the best bike for it. Neither is the p2. Even mine and kona's kona's aren't meant for it. Can it be done, yes, but it isn't great at it. However the differences you may have noticed most were a longer chainstay and longer tt. A half inch on either and I notice a huge diff. It isn't a bad thing to be a picky rider. I have three bikes that suit 'their' riding perfectly. If one spec is off the ride doesn't feel right.

2 - Dawg kick ass and has a similar geometry and selling point to a stumpy (I would love to post a comparison to make sure but specialized site SUCKS!!!! so I can't be bothered going through the trouble, I am pretty sure they are similar in geometry). Its a bit more of a xc bike than the current stinky so I guess now a days it is an all mountain machine. Based on the exact design of the 2001 stinky it will be a good all round bike, but the bobby bob bob might counteract that too

3 - Yes it well could. A fork length change, stem change and saddle position change could easily fix the problem. But without someone there looking at how you sit and how the bike fits and knowing the measurements you could spend a long time 'fitting' an ok bike to you. This is where it helps to be as picky as me (and other riders) you know your exact geometry and can buy online. Sounds to me like, even with your experience, you shouldn't buy blind. If you can't test it then right now, in your head anyways, the only bike that fits is that stumpy. Anything else might cause problems.

4 - sometimes.

As everyone here always says. Comfort is all that matters. Good or bad bike you need one that fits you. Obviously you have come to the point where you found something better. But look at this yourself. Is this like someone thats hungry, do you NEED food or do you want it so bad your brain has convinced itself its hungry? If you NEED it, then get to work finding your next bike. Comfort is what counts.